Lucy P.O.V

As I looked over the edge of the wall to what I remembered as a blur. "Lucy, is that goggles?" asked a 14-year-old Levy.

I nodded nervously, unable to take my eyes away from him.

Levy then stood next to me and looked at him again. "He's okay looking but...really?"

Suddenly he started to blur out even more. I couldn't see him anymore. I couldn't remember who he was.

"Lu...cy"

"Luc...y"

"Lucy!"

I quickly lifted my head from the desk. I slid my hand across my face, wiping the drool that had formed at the edge of my mouth. I then looked up to see an angry Jellal.

"Lucy! You fell asleep during the middle of our meeting!"

"I'm-I'm sorry!"

"Well, as I was saying, your work has gotten much better."

"Huh?"

"The romance seems more intimate. Also, that new character, I really like it. It brings a love triangle to the table. Good work."

I bowed my head, "Thank you!"

"Well, you clearly need some rest. Go home."

"Thank you! I'll have the panels done by our next meeting!" I bowed and left the office so I could return to my bed.

As I walked out of the building, I saw a glimpse of pink hair. My heart started to beat quickly and nerves overcame me. Is...is that him?

I slowly walked up to the pink hair and saw Natsu. Why is he just standing there?! Does he know that I work here?!

I still didn't understand my feelings toward him. He made my heart flutter, but I couldn't help but fear the newfound sensation. It made me more insecure than before, knowing that such a handsome guy would even allow himself to be near me.

I wasn't beautiful. I was just some wannabe mangaka with messy hair, big round glasses, and baggy clothes. I had spent most of my life wanting others, and now that someone wanted me, it scared me.

I slowly began to tiptoe the other way, hoping he wouldn't see me.

"Lucy!"

Crap...he saw me.

I forced a smile and turned around. "Na-Natsu, what're you doing here?"

"I thought I would hang out with you."

"But...don't you need to work?"

"Nope! I got fired!" He said as he laughed.

"I don't think that's something to laugh at..." I mumbled.

"I know I said we'd go out on a date this Saturday, but how about a small adventure right now? A pre-date!"

"Huh? Pre-date isn't even a thing," I replied with a shake of my head.

"Then let's make it a thing," he replied optimistically.

I couldn't help but smile at his positive attitude. He's such a dork...

"Oh by the way," I said while remembering my dream, "I looked through my yearbooks and saw you were there."

"See! I told you I knew you," he said excitedly.

"Yeah...but I still don't remember you--but! Levy at least does remember you!"

"Really?" He sighed, looking at me in disappointment. "That's a little unfair that I'm the only one who remembers you, " he complained while approaching me.

His sudden closeness made me uneasy, so I slowly started to walk back. Eventually, my back hit the building's wall. He then placed his right hand on the wall, cornering me so I had no way to escape.

"Na-Natsu...what're you-?"

"I wish I had your attention the way you have mine... "

My eyes widened at his sudden confession. What? What does he mean by that...?

He leaned his face closer to mine, and soon I could feel his lips hovering over mine. "Natsu...please..." I replied flustered by him.

"I've waited long enough..." he whispered seductively.

He placed his left hand on my cheek, and slowly made his way to my lips. I was scared, but my body was excited. I wanted him physically, but I still didn't want to let him in emotionally.

"Lucy..."

I felt myself open up, wanting him to do as he pleased, but I couldn't. What if he was only doing these things to mess with me? To make fun of me when he breaks the heart of an ugly girl who thought she had a chance with a handsome man.

The negative thoughts collected in my brain, sending me into fight or flight. "No!" I yelled while I lifted my knee, hitting him in his privates. As he fell to the floor, I made a run for it. I took out my phone and dialed Levy.

"Hello?"

"Levy! It's me, Lucy!"

"Lucy, wha-"

"Natsu's crazy!"

"What?"

"He was waiting outside the office for me!"

"Okay...?"

"How does he know where I work?!"

"Lucy...you work for the only manga company in the area of Fiore. Of course, he's gonna know you're there!"

I hadn't stopped to realize that maybe I was being a little irrational because of my fear for my changing heart, but it didn't change the fact that he was moving too fast. Why did he want me so badly? I'm not worth much.

I shifted my phone to my other ear. "Maybe you're right, but he just tried to kiss me!"

"What?! Really? That's great!"

"What?!"

"Yeah! I mean, this guy most definitely likes you, Lucy. Why not see where it goes?"

I shook my head in denial. "There's no way he likes me. He's probably just trying to mess with me because he thinks I'm easy."

"Lu-chan...I wish you would be kinder to yourself..."

"Levy...can I stay at your place for a few days?"

"Why?"

"He knows my address, my workplace, and I gave him my phone number like an idiot! I just need a break. This is crazy; it's too much for me!"

"I still think you're trying to run away from yourself, but if you need the break you need the break. I'll pick you up when I'm done with work. Where should I meet you?"

"That's the problem. I don't know how to get to my house and out of it safely. He'll probably be there!"

"Wow, he's as bad as Juvia..."

"I know...I just don't understand why me. There are so many better girls out there than me."

"Lucy, if you say one more bad thing about yourself, I'm not gonna go pick you up!"

"Okay, okay. I'll stop."

I then ran around the corner and rested for a while.

"If you're worried about Natsu being so obsessed, you should call the cops. Tell them it's stalking."

"Stalking?"

"Yeah. I mean him showing up outta nowhere and stuff can actually be harassment, but it's your call. They'll arrest him either way. Oh, I gotta go; I got a new case to review, but good luck! I'll be over tonight."

The call ended and I couldn't help but feel conflicted. I began to dial the emergency number, but I couldn't help but feel bad. He's not a bad guy, but I do need some space. He really doesn't get personal boundaries... 

I then dialed the number and waited for the phone to be picked up.

"9**, where's your emergency?"

"Um...I'm Lucy Heartfilia and a person is stalking me."

"May you identify him?"

"He has pink hair, tan skin...I also know his name: Natsu Dragneel."

"Thank you, Ma'am, now, where are you currently?"

"I'm running to a Gas station on Magic Lane."

"Okay, stay where you are. I just dispatched some of our officers."

"Thank you!"

I hung up the phone and ran into the gas station.

***

Moments later, I coincidentally saw Natsu walking past the gas station I was hiding in. I stared out the glass door and I noticed his solemn expression. Did something happen? Why does he look so upset?

I wanted to go up to him and comfort him the way he would for me, but I couldn't get involved anymore. I could not let myself become emotionally attached. As I watched him, I then began to hear the sound of sirens.

"Natsu Dragneel, we have you surrounded."

Police cars surrounded him, leaving him in a state of confusion. An extra car drove up to the gas station's store, and two officers quickly got out of the police car to find me. "Are you Miss Heartfilia?" one of the officers asked.

I nodded my head, walking to the two officers. "You are safe now. He has been put under arrest," assured the officers. "Please come with us so we may follow up on the situation."

I walked out with the two officers, feeling nervous by the overload of noise.

"I'm innocent!" I heard Natsu say as he was pushed into the car, "I'm really Innocent! Sure I did bad things in high school but I didn't stalk anyone!"

I stared at him in disbelief. I don't think he knows what he's been doing...Maybe he's just dumb...dumb and handsome, what a combination...

The police car took him away, and I stayed back to answer their questions.

***

On my way home, guilt began to consume me. Did I take it too far? Did I do the right thing?

I sighed while walking toward my driveway. However, my jaw dropped the moment I saw Natsu waiting for me by my door. What the fuck-?!

"Na-Natsu...I thought you got arrested?!"

"I did. But then they let me out."

"Huh?"

"Yeah, they said I was harmless."

Harmless my ass!

"Oh okay." I slowly walked up the stairs. I pressed my back against the door and opened the door while still looking at him. "W-well, I have to...you know...go and sleep..." I then quickly walked in and closed the door.

"Wait! Lucy, I have to say something!"

I quickly closed the curtains to all my windows so I couldn't see his puppy eyes. Why can't he just leave me alone and find another girl who's actually worth his time?

***

Two hours passed, and I saw that it was already seven. Levy had to stay and do overtime because of her new case, so I wouldn't be going home with her until tomorrow. My curtains were still closed, but I couldn't help but feel curious, wondering if he was still outside, but that couldn't be possible.  

"There's no way he would still be out there. It's not like he likes me or anything," I whispered to myself. I then slowly looked out the curtain and saw him still sitting on my porch steps.

"That idiot..." My heart skipped ever so slightly. I was a hopeless romantic, and his gestures tugged at my heartstrings. 

I slowly walked over to the door to open it. I then stood at my doorway, leaning against the door frame in my nightgown. "Go home, Natsu."

He turned around and looked at me in surprise. "Lucy..."

"C-could you stop staring?" I asked feeling bashful from his gaze.

He then flushed a light shade of pink. "S-sorry. You're just very pretty. I like your hair loose like that," he complimented.

I covered my face with my hands, unable to bear the compliment he had given me. "Why do you always do that?" I complained.

"Do what?" he asked in concern.

"Try and make me feel pretty..." I bit my lip, embarrassed by what I had just said. 

He stood up from the steps and made his way to stand before me. "Lucy, you are pretty." He reached over to touch my cheek, but I quickly looked away.

"Shouldn't you be leaving?" I spat trying to keep my guard up.

"Not until you listen to me."

I sighed. "What is it?"

"I'm sorry for always being so forward but I just want to be around you," he blurted with a bow. 

"Huh?!" I gasped with a burning face.

"Let me help you bring your manga to life," he said sweetly while reaching over to hold my face. 

I couldn't help but stare into his captivating eyes in confusion. "Why me?" I mumbled as his lips approached mine.

"Why not you?" he asked back before placing his lips on mine. I was lost in the moment as our lips meshed together perfectly. My body began to grow hot from excitement and my heart skipped in my chest. This isn't good...I'm falling...

I quickly caught myself before I fell into a delusion. I can't like him. I'll just get hurt. I don't want to be hurt.

"Lucy, what's wrong-?"

I pushed him away and quickly ran into my home and closed the door. As I stood behind the door, I slowly slide down to the floor. When I landed, I pulled my legs into a hug. What am I doing?

I then touched my lips with a beating heart. I can't keep letting him in.